Zaha has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs but whilst Manchester United and Manchester City remain admirers, their north-west rivals Liverpool have made the first approach through a phone call to manager Dougie Freedman.

The conversation was seen as an initial probe into the striker's availability and his temperament, with the Anfield outfit expected to make a formal offer for the England Under-19 international in the coming days.

However, the £10 million rated striker recently signed a five-and-a-half year contract at the Championship side and it is believed co-owner Steve Parish is aiming to keep Zaha at the club until after the League Cup semi-final second leg against Cardiff.

The Eagles take a 1-0 advantage to the Cardiff City stadium at the end of the month, with Anthony Gardner's first-header securing the victory at Selhurst Park.

Should Palace progress to the final at Wembley in February, it is expected that Zaha will remain at the club until the summer.